Laverty 'making steps forward' in World Superbikes

Eugene Laverty says he and his Aprilia team are making progress with the bike as they aim to put the frustration of a disappointing start to the season behind them at this weekend's World Superbike round at Donington.

"This year has not gone to plan but hopefully we are making steps forward now," said the Toomebridge rider, who escaped relatively unscathed from a high-speed crash at Imola in the previous round of the series on 13 May.

"The aim now is to get on that podium as by next year we want to be winning races again," said Laverty.